Chief Counsel

State of Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri United States  View Map
Posted: Jan 21, 2026
  • Salary: $119,342 per Year USD
  • Salary Top:119342
  • Full Time
  • Administration and Management
  • Legal Services
  • Job Description

    Please note: The salary range listed in this job description is a base salary. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments or shift differentials may exceed salary range listed above.

    Job Location: This position will be located at 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

    Why you’ll love this position:

    Primary counsel to the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department).

    • Supervise and oversee the work of the Chief Counsel legal team, comprised of attorneys and legal support staff positions.
    • Serve as primary department legal contact for all legal matters related to and coming before to the State Board of Education.
    • Coordinate the Department’s legal response on all matters, and serve as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General.
    • Provide legal support in the form of memos, trainings, presentations, research, and other assistance as requested to members of the State Board, Commissioner of Education, Deputy Commissioners of Education, as well as for agency staff reporting to these positions.
    • Provide legal advice on personnel matters, internal complaints, investigations, and Office of Civil Rights, Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints against the Department.
    • Coordinate Department-held administrative hearings; administrative rulemaking; and records retention pursuant to Chapter 105, RSMo.
    • Address and respond, or assist in preparing responses to constituent, legislative, and other questions regarding the Department.
    • Assist in the development, drafting, and review of contracts, agreements, and procedures for the Department.
    • Serve as the Department Privacy Officer; provide overarching departmental strategy and specific guidance and assistance relating to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); the Missouri Open Meetings and Records (“Sunshine”) Act; and general privacy issues.
    • Perform other related work as assigned.
    • Demonstrate regular, reliable, and engaged attendance.


    Minimum Qualifications:

    • Juris Doctorate from an ABA approved law school
    • Member of the Missouri Bar in good standing
    • Five years’ state agency or other public governmental agency experience


    The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

    If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@dese.mo.gov

    Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619, through Missouri Relay System at (800) 735-2966, or via email at hr@dese.mo.gov .

    Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7 th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.



    To Our Applicants with Disabilities:
    For assistance with any phase of the Department process, please notify the Director of Human Resources at (573) 751-9619. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate special needs. TTY/TDD Relay Missouri service (800) 735-2966.

    Notice to Applicants:
    The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

    The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • State of Missouri
    • State of Missouri

    Build the Missouri of tomorrow.

    Ensure a strong foundation today.

    Join a group of innovative team members focused on driving the State of Missouri forward. As public servants, our team members have the opportunity to produce work that is both lasting and important. This work serves to protect families, communities, and our natural resources.

     No matter where you are in your career, whether entry level or senior level, a career with the State of Missouri will challenge you to grow both personally and professionally. Though one employer, there is no shortage of exciting opportunities as there are many career paths you may take within the State. If you are searching for a job that transforms lives, including your own, a career with the State of Missouri is the perfect fit!

    Show more

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